Where are the lower class cars?

[Lew Silverman]

Wow, this topic has certainly taken an interesting turn! I thought we all raced because we enjoyed it, just at different levels.

I'm guessing that most (but definitely not ALL) of us, if we could afford it, would build a newer, faster car. Do you think that people in 1955 said "those racer's with their new Chevy small-blocks sure have an unfair advantage"!?! I'll bet the guy's with the Oldsmobile's and Hudson's did!

I have the utmost respect for anyone who competes at the national level in Stock and Super Stock! It takes a great amount of work to get any combination to "work", some more than others, some less!

There are as many reason's to race, or not to race, as there are racer's! Get out and have some fun, that's what I'm doing, just at a level I'm comfortable with as a newly-retired pensioner on a limited income!

Woopie!


Lew
(18 days and counting!)

[Dwight Southerland]

Originally Posted by Alan Roehrich

I thought the need for speed was the reason most went racing.

Actually, Alan, that was a tongue-in-cheek statement of mine to lament that maybe racing has become more ego-driven than ever before. Faster cars can make one feel more important. I have no criticism for anyone who appreciates what they race and doesn't use their et (or paint job or money they spend, etc. etc.) to make themselves feel more important than they really are. As far as I know, the path to the winners circle is pretty level for everybody. I have raced 14 second stockers, 13 second stockers, 12 second stockers, an 11 second stocker, a 10 second stocker, a 10 second modified production car and a 9 second super stocker. I put them all in the winners circle. The slower cars were just a challenging, just as satisfying and a whole lot less work and money. I would hate for those people to be pushed out or forgotten.

[Ed Fernandez]

Originally Posted by Alan Roehrich

I'm not here to "impress" you, or anyone else, with my answers.

I never said I thought I was good, if I was, our stuff would be a lot faster.

I said many people are not happy going slow.

If you like slower cars, that's fine.

For me, there is just not enough excitement to be had on the track with a slower car, no matter how challenging it is to make it a competitive class car.

The threshold for fun in a race car, for me, is around 11.50 at 115 or better.

I have no criticism for people who like slower cars. If that is what you like, by all means, have at it. It's all about what you find to be fun. I do, however, find it amusing that people want to criticize people for preferring to go faster.

That's one reason I enjoy racing a "slow/Odd ball" combo.Imagine the conversation when one of the high buck,stacker trailer,renegade guys gets home and the missus says "How did you do this weekend?" and you say "I lost to a 13 second gremlin".And you could cut the silence with a knife.:>):>):>)

In the scheme of things we're all a bunch of schleps spending money doing what we think
we enjoy.Some of us take it wayyyyy to seriously.Unless you're doing it for a paycheck. Then you're really in need of a reality check.
The winners are the guys who supply the tools (cars,parts,etc) to perpetuate this madness.

[X-TECH MAN]

Originally Posted by Ed Fernandez

That's one reason I enjoy racing a "slow/Odd ball" combo.Imagine the conversation when one of the high buck,stacker trailer,renegade guys gets home and the missus says "How did you do this weekend?" and you say "I lost to a 13 second gremlin".And you could cut the silence with a knife.:>):>):>)

In the scheme of things we're all a bunch of schleps spending money doing what we think
we enjoy.Some of us take it wayyyyy to seriously.Unless you're doing it for a paycheck. Then you're really in need of a reality check.
The winners are the guys who supply the tools (cars,parts,etc) to perpetuate this madness.

X 2 on that !

[Billy Nees]

Originally Posted by Ed Wright

I find it unusual that people that have worked hard enough in life to be able to afford a faster car, and enjoy driving a faster car, are the lesser racers here. And guys running lower class cars feel superior for some reason?

Ed, cut the crap. Nothing like that was said (by me!) or assumed. Alan let his opinion be known and I responded with an opinion.
I have a great deal of respect for anyone who goes out and constantly tries to find "that extra hundredth" regardless of what it is. I believe that Alan (and you too for that matter) is one of a handfull of incredibly smart people that will take the time to post on here and help others with their problems.
Bottom line, I wish that Alan hadn't voiced his opinion and that I hadn't responded to it.

[Ed Fernandez]

Originally Posted by Billy Nees

Ed, cut the crap. Nothing like that was said (by me!) or assumed. Alan let his opinion be known and I responded with an opinion.
I have a great deal of respect for anyone who goes out and constantly tries to find "that extra hundredth" regardless of what it is. I believe that Alan (and you too for that matter) is one of a handfull of incredibly smart people that will take the time to post on here and help others with their problems.
Bottom line, I wish that Alan hadn't voiced his opinion and that I hadn't responded to it.

Bill,you're such a modest little fuzz ball.

[Phillip marvetz]

Well My V/SA has gone to a M/SA. 11.90s are much funner than 14.00s. :-)

[GarysZ24]

Originally Posted by Mark Yacavone

Gary, Is that with the new headers on the car?

Yes Mark that would allow me to include headers (once I find some that I can afford). So far, I've only heard of one place that would help me in that regard, and they wanted $1grand, and my car for a week...that was 4yrs ago, they're probably more now? But it would definitely include a new cam with some duration to it....

I wish I had some "new headers on the car"! That's funny Mark!

[GarysZ24]

Originally Posted by Ed Fernandez

Me too.I usually agree with many of Alan's posts.I think he missed it this time.Just my opinion.
Like the Hawk says "It's not what you drive,it's how you drive it"
Alan,go stand in the corner for 20 minutes..

Wow, again something I agree with you on Ed! The Hawk couldn't have said it better if he tried, and props to you too Billy, and Owen as well!!!

[GarysZ24]

Originally Posted by Dwight Southerland

Actually, Alan, that was a tongue-in-cheek statement of mine to lament that maybe racing has become more ego-driven than ever before. Faster cars can make one feel more important. I have no criticism for anyone who appreciates what they race and doesn't use their et (or paint job or money they spend, etc. etc.) to make themselves feel more important than they really are. As far as I know, the path to the winners circle is pretty level for everybody. I have raced 14 second stockers, 13 second stockers, 12 second stockers, an 11 second stocker, a 10 second stocker, a 10 second modified production car and a 9 second super stocker. I put them all in the winners circle. The slower cars were just a challenging, just as satisfying and a whole lot less work and money. I would hate for those people to be pushed out or forgotten.

X2 Dwight, but sadly it seems to be heading that way (especially with the more well known NHRA), which is why I've been pushing the (now more sportsman friendly), IHRA's apparent western migration...competition is becoming bliss...don't believe me, ask Sheldon Gecker, Mark Faul, and now Les Norton!!!